Since its founding in 1921, Congregation Beth El has not only played a significant role in the South Jersey Jewish Community but also made a positive difference in the lives of many thousands of families for five generations.
Throughout those decades, Beth El has moved with the community, from Camden to the west side of Cherry Hill to its current stunning campus in Voorhees. Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and currently consisting of more than 750 member households, Beth El serves all generations in an egalitarian, inclusive and inspiring atmosphere.
Its clergy – Senior Rabbi David Englander, Hazzan (Cantor) Alisa Pomerantz-Boro, Rabbi Emeritus Aaron Krupnick, Education Director Rabbi Nogah Marshall and Associate Rabbi Sam Hollander, who will begin his tenure in July – lead the members and the community at large in both worship services and life-cycle events, while also serving as important representatives of the Jewish community throughout the state.
Beth El takes great pride in its award-winning Early Childhood Center (ECC), recognized Religious School, exceptional B’nai Mitzvah program and participation in its supplemental Kesher communal high school. The ECC accepts children from the ages of 6 weeks and up to full-day kindergarten and provides warm, nurturing and experienced teachers and staff with an innovative curriculum that includes enrichment and Jewish learning. The ECC also offers a wonderful summer camp program that includes themed weeks, special guests and fun in a fabulous ‘splash pad!’
The Religious School program nurtures and motivates students to pursue a life-long commitment to Jewish learning. Through it, they are proud to offer Project Lev, a special-education program that allows and encourages children with different needs to participate in a positive Jewish learning experience. Educational opportunities are offered to children ranging from the youngest to the most seasoned learners.
One of Beth El’s taglines is “We belong together!” That sentiment is a point of pride expressed through the many ways the congregation strives to be as inclusive as possible. These efforts include providing meaningful opportunities for all ages and stages, including:
• Strong support of Israel, including an annual Confirmation teen trip, programs and regular adult Israel travel opportunities;
• Services and programs for people of all ages with special needs;
• Twice daily worship services along with Shabbat and holiday services that include youth programming;
• Achim Sheli: My Brothers & Sisters, a group for Jews of Color and their allies;
• Kavod/Respect, a group for LGBTQIA+ friends, families and allies;
• College Connection;
• Programs for young families;
• Youth group programs with United Synagogue Youth, B’nai Brith Youth Organization, and the Ramah Camping system;
• Chevra, a social group for adults in and around their 50s and 60s;
• Habonim, for empty-nesters who want to remain connected to Beth El even though their children are grown and have moved out of the house; and
• Sisterhood and Men’s Club groups who get together around programs of interest and who work to support Beth El in many ways throughout the year.
Kehillah, the community, means everything to its congregation: That is why Beth El is proud to host a delicious weekly luncheon following Shabbat morning (Saturday) services every week of the year.
Beth El welcomes all who seek a warm, welcoming and inclusive congregation to call ahead for a tour, make an appointment with the clergy, attend a Shabbat service, check out the website, and come attend a program or gathering of your choice. Email us at info@bethelsnj.org.
Congregation Beth El
Voorhees
(856) 675-1166
BethElSNJ.org
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Family Magazine, Volume 15, Issue 8.
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